| To Play the King Episode 1 |  | Creators: Rebecca Eaton, Michael Wearing, Andrew Davies
Director: Paul Seed
Actors: Ian Richardson, Michael Kitchen, Kitty Aldridge, Colin Jeavons, Diane Fletcher
Studio: BBC
Category: TV Series Episode Video on Demand
Buy New: $1.99
as of 3/13/2010 04:21 MST details
In Stock
Seller: Amazon Video On Demand
Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 23,076
Genre: Drama
Media: Video On Demand
Running Time: 54 Minutes
Clothing Size: 1
ASIN: B000I0CELA
Original Air Date: November 21, 1993
Release Date: September 30, 2008
Season: 1
Episode: 1
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Synopsis:
Francis Urquhart is now triumphantly installed in No. 10 as Prime Minister, but uneasy at the memory of Mattie Storin, the young journalist he murdered on his way to the top. He is also facing criticism from an unexpected source. The newly crowned King is appalled by his unfeeling, materialistic policies. However, Urquhart has lost none of his relish for the fight. |
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 10
 One of the top 5 evil villians. February 27, 2009
HmacG (Huntington Beach, CAlifornia USA)
Ian Richardson's gleeful portrayal of Francis Urquhart embodies all the satirical ironies of the best villains. Think Hannibal Lecter, Heath Leger's "The Joker", put a wry and dry english sensibility to them, add the belief that his morality is for the greater good and there's Francis.
Even more "wow" effect! March 2, 2008
Beverley Strong (Australia)
Having just finished watching series 2 of The House of Cards trilogy, the end left me with my eyes wide open, saying "wow"!, not usually one of my favourite expressions. In this series, Francis Urquhart is Prime Minister of Britain and is battling with the King on most of his governments policies, urging him to adopt more lenient policies regarding benefits for the poor and disadvantaged while Urquhart's party is distinctly right wing. The character of the King, played to perfection by actor Michael Kitchen (Foyle's War etc.)is clearly based on Prince Charles, using his speech patterns and bodily gestures and that of his sister(in the show) is based on his real lfe aunt, Princess Margaret. I usually combine watching any form of TV with needlework but, on this occasion, couldn't bear to tear my eyes away from the screen with these mesmerising scenes being played out, with stunning performances from all of the cast and with Ian Richardson playing his "baddie" role as effectively as any Shakesperian actor. I cannot recommend this series more highly and am now awaiting the third and last in the series, The Final Cut.
Absolutely Brilliant September 4, 2006
Jeremy D. Weinstein (Walnut Creek, CA USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is the best of the three- the first two are great, the third is to be missed. The viewer is drawn into the villainy of an evil PM with Shakespeareian ease and expertise. I disagree with a comment of a prior reviewer that there is "no redeeming social value." In fact, the point - power corrupts, often irredeemably so- is probably too obvious to mention. Any failure of the subplots to tie together completely at the end is far outweighed by the brilliantly protrayed spectacle of evil.
Fantastic Series July 19, 2005
Jeremy Priest (Fairfax,VA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Ian Richardson is an absolute dynamo as Francis Urquehart, a proud and ruthless politician who puts Macbeth to shame in the ambitions department. The humor is witty and biting, and the show is riveting from start to finish. And Richardson is so convincing as the vile Urquehart that you just cant help rooting for him.
The Best from the Brits February 18, 2003
Quilterski (Central NY)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
To enjoy this series, you need to like subtle, stabbing humor, a phenomenal cast, unique camera perspectives, and a great script. I saw this series when it first aired (more years ago than I care to remember!) and never forgot it. Now my whole family is hooked too, and we re-watch every few months just because it is so incredibly well done. I love the way the cast plays to each other, and it seems as though they chose the perfect person for each role. I just wish the BBC would release it on DVD before my tapes fail!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 10
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